Handbag shape retainer

ABSTRACT

A shape retainer is provided for use with a bag, the shape retainer having a pillow having a form that provides structural support for maintaining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form. The shape retainer further includes an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space with pockets to hold a desiccant and sachet, and an opening through which the pillow may be inserted into or removed from the interior space, the outer casing surrounding the pillow. The shape retainer is inserted through an opening of the bag into an interior cavity of the bag, the shape retainer positioned inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fashion accessories, and in particular, to a shape retainer for use in supporting the shape of a handbag.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Handbags, totes, duffels, briefcases, attaches, and other bags that are not constructed with interior support walls (hereinafter also referred to generically as “bags”) are an important part of every woman's wardrobe. As an example, there are a wide variety of handbags available in the marketplace today, ranging from high-priced designer and luxury handbags to less expensive handbags designed for everyday use. However, regardless of the price or origin of the handbags, the handbag renders a fashion statement about its owner, so it is important that the bag he/she carries maintains an appropriate appearance.

Part of this appearance is the shape of the bag. The unique design of each bag is based primarily on its shape, so it is important for a handbag to retain its original shape. This point is more critical for the designer and luxury handbags, which are often used for special or specific occasions by consumers, and which derive their appeal from the original shape. These bags are considered “special” and are often kept in closets or drawers. When not in use; these bags need to retain their original shapes when properly stored at home (or in storage).

To address this need, shape retainers have been provided for use with these particular bags. These shape retainers function to fit perfectly within the interior space of a bag, thereby maintaining the original shape of the bag when it is not in use. There are two types of such shape retainers generally available on the market. The first type is a ready-made (off-the-shelf) retainer that is designed for use with certain type of bags. For example, the first type would be designed specifically for bags created by certain brands such as Hermes™, Chanel, Fendi™, etc. The second type is a custom-fit, made-to-measure “bespoke” shape retainer that is specifically designed for use with a particular bag, so it may be fabricated to fit any bag. The second-type would require that meticulous measurements be taken of the interior of the bag.

In particular, certain bags created by luxury houses (such as the Hermes'™ Birkin™ Bag) are viewed as investments and/or heirlooms. Because of their classic style, never-ending status and quality construction, these bags are likely to be passed down from one generation to another. Therefore, proper care and maintenance of these bags is critical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a shape retainer for a bag that effectively retains the shape of a bag.

The present invention provides a shape retainer for use with a bag, the shape retainer having a pillow-like form that provides structural support for maintaining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form. The shape retainer further includes an outer casing or “slip cover” made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space, and an opening through which the pillow may be inserted into or removed from the interior space, the outer casing surrounding the pillow. The shape retainer is inserted in the primary open compartment of the bag. When positioned inside the compartment, the shape retainer provides support to the walls of the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shape retainer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shape retainer of FIG. 1 shown in use inside a handbag.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shape retainer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a form that can be used with the shape retainer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an opened top plan view of the form of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an opened bottom plan view of the form of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention provides a shape retainer 10 for placement within an interior of a bag 12. The retainer 10 has a body that has a predetermined shape. The retainer has a length L, a width W, and a height H. The width W can be varied to be greater at the bottom and less at the top.

The retainer 10 includes an inner pillow 14 that is housed within a removable outer casing 16. The outer casing 16 is constructed of a high quality, non-yellowing, polyester blend fabric that is archival and removable (e.g., via a hidden zipper 18 that is located on a seam) to facilitate washing and/or spot cleaning. The fabric for the outer casing 16 is selected for its hand, aesthetics, and silk-like finish which promotes the easy insertion and removal of the retainer 10. The zipper 18 defines an opening through which the pillow 14 may be inserted into, or removed from, the interior of the outer casing 16. French-binded seams 22 with a top stitch can be provided along the top edges of the casing 16, and an optional pleat 24 can be provided at the side gussets. The seams 22 provide stability, durability, and an overall neat appearance. In addition, the pleat 24 provides a better fit and fine-tuning for the stretch/lay of the fabric.

A handle 20 can be provided in a top portion of the casing 16 to allow the user to grip the retainer 10 when the retainer 10 is in use. The handle 20 can be about one-inch in width, and can be made of the same material as the outer casing. A cotton label 26 can be provided on the top of the handle 20 to allow the user to identify the particular bag for which the retainer 10 was made. The label 26 does not need to be provided on the handle 20, as it can also be provided anywhere on the outer surface of the casing 16. However, the location on the handle 20 is convenient because it is easy for the user to see the label 26 when the top of the bag 12 is opened.

The casing 16 may be constructed from a printed fabric and therefore be customized to each client's individual tastes and décor. Also, the casing 16 can come in a number of different colors. The surfaces of the casing 16 can provide an area where advertisements can be placed or the corporate trademark of the handbag manufacturer can be placed thereon. Retail establishments may utilize the invention to effectively and elegantly display bags on the sales floor to provide consumers with the best possible impression of a bag. Individual retailers may even wish to order shape retainers 10 that are made from fabric in specific corporate colors or with logo/insignia markings to enhance the display of the bags.

The casing 16 can be provided with interior pockets which hold a built-in desiccant and lavender sachet (not shown) that can have natural antibacterial characteristics, which protect the bag 12 from moisture and odor-causing bacteria. Referring also to FIGS. 4A-4C, the pillow 14 has an inner form 40 that functions as a support frame. The form 40 can be made of polyester batting that provides structural support to the pillow 14 (and therefore the retainer 10). The form pieces 40 are then stuffed with a polyester fiberfill stuffing 42 which provides for a very firm, form fitting, pillow-like structure that is effective in maintaining the bag 12 in an upright standing position thus maintaining the original shape of the bag 12. The form 40 can be made from a quarter-inch polyester batting. The batting is cut in accordance to the same patterns that are used to create the individual pieces of the outer casing. FIGS. 4A-4C show how the pieces of batting are cut and then sewn together to create the form 40. For example, the form 40 can be made of a top piece 80 that is comprised of a front panel A and a rear panel B, and a lower piece 82 that is comprised of a bottom panel C and two side panels D and E that extend from opposite sides of the bottom panel C. FIGS. 4A-4C show the fold lines (see the dotted lines) for folding the respective panels. The panels A, B, C, D, and E of the form 40 define an interior “void” that is filled with the polyester fiberfill stuffing 42 and sewn closed. The outer casing 16 is then fabricated and the form 40 is inserted into the outer casing 16 through the zippered closure as previously described.

The resulting retainer 10 has a front face 32 and an opposing rear face 34 that are sewn together at the adjacent upper edges. Two opposing side faces 36 and 38 are provided, and together with a bottom face 30 and the front and rear faces 32 and 34, define the predetermined shape of the retainer 10. When the retainer 10 is placed into the interior cavity of the bag 12, the front face 32 faces one side of the interior of the bag 12 and the rear face 34 faces the opposite side of the bag 12. The top of the retainer 10 faces the open portion of the bag 12 that serves as the entrance to the interior cavity. Because the retainer 10 is in intimate contact with the walls of the bag 12, and the form 40 provides structural rigidity, the walls of the bag 12 are better supported to minimize sagging or collapsing over time as the handbag 12 is stored. In other words, the retainer 10 serves to help the bag 12 maintain its original shape and as a result, the retainer 10 helps prevent wrinkles or creases from forming in the handbag 12 due to it being stored for a significant amount of time in a position where the walls are not in their upright or optimal positions. Preferably, in the stored position, the retainer 10 occupies at least 100% and more preferably 105% of the internal volume of the interior cavity of the handbag 12. The dimensions of the shape retainer 10 are preferably exact to the dimensions of the bag's interior opening. However, the polyester fiberfill stuffing 42 creates a fullness which results in pressure that extends the retainer 10 slightly beyond its shape and provides firm support.

The polyester fiberfill stuffing 42 and the resilient nature of the retainer 10 causes it to store energy and then once the retainer 10 is placed into the interior cavity and the user removes the applied force, the retainer 10 releases its energy and attempts to resume its initial, relaxed state. However, the walls of the bag 12 prevent this from occurring. This results in the retainer 10 applying a force against the walls in an outward direction relative to the interior cavity of the bag 12, thus causing the bag 12 to maintain a condition where its interior cavity is significantly and preferably substantially filled by the retainer 10.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly, comprising: a bag having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity, and an opening that provides access to the cavity; and a shape retainer for use with the bag, comprising: a pillow having a form that provides structural support for defining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form; and an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space, and an opening through which the pillow may be inserted into or removed from the interior space, the outer casing surrounding the pillow; wherein the shape retainer is inserted through the opening of the bag into the cavity, the shape retainer positioned inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, further including a zipper that closes the opening of the outer casing.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer casing further includes a handle.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer casing further includes a label provided on the handle.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer casing further includes a label.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the filling is a polyester fiberfill.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the form is made of polyester batting.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the form is constructed of polyester batting which has been cut from the same pattern as the casing, the batting comprising a top piece that defines a front panel and a rear panel, and a lower piece that defines a bottom panel, and two side panels that extend from opposite sides of the bottom panel.
 9. An assembly, comprising: a bag having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity, and an opening that provides access to the cavity; and a shape retainer for use with the bag, comprising: a pillow having a form that provides structural support for defining a predetermined shape, and a polyester stuffing that is provided inside the form, the form made of a polyester batting; and an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space which includes interior pockets, and an opening through which the pillow can be inserted into or removed from the interior space, and a zipper that closes the opening of the outer casing, the outer casing surrounding the form, and further including a handle and a label, the shape retainer further including a desiccant and sachet retained inside the interior pockets; wherein the shape retainer is inserted through the opening of the bag into the cavity, the shape retainer positioned inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the label is provided on the handle.
 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the form is constructed of polyester batting which has been cut from the same pattern as the casing, the batting comprising a top piece that defines a front panel and a rear panel, and a lower piece that defines a bottom panel, and two side panels that extend from opposite sides of the bottom panel.
 12. A method of storing a bag, comprising: a. providing a bag having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity, and an opening that provides access to the cavity; and b. providing a shape retainer for use with the bag, comprising: a pillow having a form that provides structural support for maintaining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form; and an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space, and an opening, the outer casing surrounding the pillow; c. inserting the pillow into the interior space of the outer casing; d. inserting the shape retainer through the opening of the bag into the cavity; and e. positioning the shape retainer inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.
 13. The method of claim 12, further including the step of providing a desiccant and sachet inside pockets that are formed in the outer casing. 